A MAN hit his cousin across the head with his crutch in a row over him continuing to stay at her auntie's home.

Blackburn magistrates heard Mark Smith claimed he had the right to live in the property and said he couldn't understand why he was arrested when she was trespassing on his property.

Smith, 66, of Preston New Road, Blackburn, was convicted after trial of assault.

He was sentenced to four weeks in prison and ordered to pay £200 compensation. He was made subject to a restraining order for two years.

Lee Woodyatt, prosecuting, said the victim's auntie was moving into a care home and she had told Smith he had to move out. She was at the house when a taxi pulled up and the defendant got out.

"The cousin and a neighbour went into the property and locked the doors," said Mr Woodyatt.

"He tried front and back doors before the victim went outside with his medication and told him he needed to leave the property.

"He managed to open the front door and was going in when he turned round and hit her across the head with his crutch."

He said the victim said the incident had left her shaken.

Smith, who was not represented, said he had not assaulted his cousin. 

"All I did was point at the door and tell her to leave," he said. "I can't understand why I get arrested for her trespassing in my house."